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Cadets

As one of the UK's oldest, largest and most successful youth organisations, we have a long and proud history of preparing youngsters for all walks of life and encouraging an active involvement in local communities. In total we have around 68,500 cadets and 11,000 adult volunteers in over 2,000 locations spread across the UK.

Army Cadet Force

The Army’s Cadet Forces are split into two distinct types: the Combined Cadet Force (Army) (CCF(A)) for students within their own schools and academies, as part of their regular school day or extra-curricular activity; and the Army Cadet Force (ACF) allowing a variety of children from the local area to parade in nearby Cadet huts, Army Reserve Centres or even local community centres of an evening.

Although the ACF and CCF(A) operate in different ways from each other, the ethos they follow and training they carry out are firmly rooted in the same foundations.

Ethos

To help its cadets become good citizens the Army’s Cadet Forces instil a series of Values and Standards in much the same way as the Regular Army, these are:

Values of the Army's Cadet Forces

Standards of the Army Cadets

Courage

Appropriate Behaviour

Discipline

Lawful Behaviour

Respect for Others

Professional Behaviour

Integrity

Our Duty of Care

Loyalty

Selfless Commitment

Training

Both the ACF and CCF(A) follow progressive training syllabi based on military and non-military activity, including subjects such as:

Skill-at-arms

Navigation

Fieldcraft

Community projects

First aid

Adventurous training

Shooting

What we do

Cadets are generally aged from 12 - 18 and children of all abilities and backgrounds that are able to access the majority of our activities are welcomed. We develop young people physically and mentally, improving self-confidence, teamwork, friendship and leadership through a wide diversity of fun, exciting and adventurous opportunities. We also aim to develop a sense of community in our cadets.

We are also a gateway to recognised vocational qualifications from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to BTEC First Diplomas which can help in working and school life.

The ACF and CCF(A) is not a recruiting ground for the Armed Forces but seeks to promote a sense of understanding of what the Armed Forces' roles and responsibilities are, and provide any assitance to any child who does express an interest in joining the Armed Forces later in life.

Adult volunteers

Being over 18 doesn't mean you miss out on all the fun. Without our adult volunteers, there would be no cadet forces. They come from all walks of life and varied backgrounds. Previous military experience is not a pre-requisite as full training is provided.

There is no reserve commitment for either cadets or adult volunteers, so there is no chance of being sent on operations. Adult volunteers, like Cadets, are free to leave the organisation at any time.